Utah Utes have BCS within grasp

Utah's game-winning drive in Thursday's 13-10 win over TCU was accompanied by enthusiastic cheers from the student section. The MUSS, adorned in "blackout" gear, stole a line from the political arena and began chanting "Yes, we can!" when the Utes got the ball back with 2:48 remaining.

It continued as Brian Johnson led the Utah offense downfield. It ended when Johnson teamed with Freddie Brown on a 9-yard scoring strike exactly two minutes later.

The MUSS wasn't silenced, though. They simply changed their message.

"Yes, we can!" was replaced by chants of "BCS ... BCS ... BCS ..."

After knocking off the 11th-ranked Horned Frogs, the 10th-ranked Utes improved to 10-0 and greatly enhanced their chances of securing a Bowl Championship Series berth and an accompanying Mountain West Conference title.

Season-ending victories over San Diego State and BYU would seal the deal.

And for that reason, Johnson noted, Utah still has a ways to go to feel a complete sense of accomplishment.

Even so, the come-from-behind win over TCU was extremely satisfying for the Utes.

"Words can't explain the feeling I have inside of admiration and pride for this football team and these coaches," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

Everyone hung in there, he added, and no one panicked.

Trailing 10-6 at halftime, Whittingham reminded his team that they had not played their best football. He also noted that they may have taken TCU's best shot and were only down by four points.

It stayed that way until late in the game, thanks to a series of twists and turns. Two missed field goals by TCU preceded Utah's decisive heroics down the stretch.

"We had to convert and make the play at the end, and we were able to do that," said Brown, who kept Utah's game-winning drive alive with a clutch fourth-down reception two plays before his touchdown grab. "I was just happy to score and get the opportunity at a big time to make a play."

Whittingham wasn't surprised.

"Freddie has done great all year and he makes the plays when we need them," he said after also praising Johnson's leadership on the decisive drive.

"Brian ran the two-minute offense again and got us in when we needed a score," Whittingham said. "The feeling of pride I have for this team and staff is indescribable."